Bioaccumulation of Microplastics in Decedent Human Brains Assessed by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional post-mortem tissue study / autopsy case series
PubMed 38765967 · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-4345687/v1
What was done
Researchers measured micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) concentrations across 12 polymer types in human autopsy tissues (kidneys, livers, and brains) collected in 2016 and 2024 from the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tissue samples were digested and evaluated using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) along with transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical concentrations, effect sizes, or sample counts. Brain samples had higher concentrations of MNPs than liver or kidney samples. All evaluated organs showed significant increases in MNP levels from 2016 to 2024. Polyethylene was the predominant polymer detected, with a higher relative proportion in brain samples compared to liver or kidney. TEM verified the presence of nanoscale, aged, shard-like plastic particles.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that micro- and nanoplastics can accumulate in human internal organs, preferentially deposit in brain tissue, and may be increasing in prevalence over time.
Limits
The abstract provides no sample size (n), decedent clinical characteristics, exposure histories, or exact quantitative values and confidence intervals. Samples were drawn from a single geographic source, and autopsy tissue studies carry inherent risks of sample contamination during recovery and processing.
Cited by
- partial Micro- and nanoplastics make up as much as 0.5% of the brain's weight (about a teaspoon).